CJ Perry Talks Mark Cuban Rematch, Naomi’s Competitive Spirit, and Her Vision for Wrestling’s Future
In an exclusive interview with LandonBuford.com, CJ Perry reflects on her “Drop the Mic” battle with Mark Cuban, her fun rivalry with Naomi, and her hopes for WWE to embrace intergender tag team championships. From heartfelt stories about her mother to her passion for acting, dancing, and DJing, Perry showcases the full spectrum of her talents and vision for the future.
Courtesy of WWE
CJ Perry, who is known to WWE fans as the bold and dynamic former Lana, discusses her diverse career both inside and outside of the ring in a candid and colorful conversation with LandonBuford.com. From revisiting her unforgettable “Drop the Mic” showdown alongside Rusev against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, to discussing her playful rivalry with Naomi and her dreams of a more evolved WWE, Perry brings her signature fire and humor to every answer. She dives into her current TV obsessions, plans to broaden her horizons to music and comedy, and provides meaningful insights on leadership, women’s empowerment in wrestling, and the importance of fighting for your worth in any industry. Regardless of discussing WrestleMania history or her love for storytelling, CJ Perry demonstrates her readiness to disrupt both in and out of the limelight.
You were recently featured on Drop the Mic with Rusev against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Shortly after the episode aired, he felt that he should have won. If you were approached again, would you be willing to run it back for a rematch?
Of course, we could have a rematch, and we would crush him again.
Naomi shared that if she were featured on MTV’s SafeWord, she would like you to be her opponent. Is that something you would be interested in doing?
I’m not surprised because Naomi and I have a very competitive relationship. We are constantly competing with one another. “Who has the best dance moves, highest kicks, and best weave, so we will show up on TV with the same clothes in many different colors. “Some neon green is funny. I’m not surprised, and I’ll take the competition. Anything with Naomi is going to be good if we are on the same team or competing against her.
What television shows are you currently watching, and what movie besides Star Wars are you looking forward to seeing later this year?
I have been watching Legacy on Netflix, and I’m 11 or 12 episodes in. I like that it’s related to the Super National, and this is exciting. Avengers: Endgame shocked me, and I have already seen it three times. I have cried every time I’ve seen it, tears rolling down my face, because I cannot believe the ending. It is moving, and I don’t want it to be over. I want it to keep going, and it is a little bit hard for me in that sense, but I’m excited to see Dark Phoenix this summer.
You were a professional dancer at one point in your life. Have you thought about opening a dance studio at some point?
Gosh, when I was younger, I thought about that a lot, but right now it doesn’t come to mind. However, you never know what the future will hold. Consider opening a professional wrestling school that teaches people how to act, dance, and wrestle, so that they can become the greatest storytellers of all time.
What is on your music playlist right now?
I am currently learning how to DJ, and I’m excited about that because I love music, dancing, and throwing parties. I was listening to Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Drake because Rusev has never heard Mr. Carter Tha Carter III and hasn’t heard the whole Take Care album.
Jennifer Decker recently did an interview, and she talked about your work ethic and how she has met anyone with your determination and drive. When you hear your friends and peers say that, what does that mean for your self-confidence?
It is encouraging to me. At the end of my life, I want to be remembered as someone who inspired people to dream big and chase their dreams. The sky is the limit, and they can make it possible. Hearing what Jen said about me encourages me that I am on the right path.
She also talked about how she feels terrible for talent that isn’t getting the push they deserve. What advice do you have for talented individuals who might not receive the proper push in their profession, but also adequate compensation?
You have that all over the world. So, if you look at the world, it happens in many different areas, and it will also be our fight to make people treat us the way we feel we should be treated. There are a lot of child labor laws that needed to be approved because kids were working 14 hours a day. People will always fight for unions, better pay, and people’s trust. So, you must fight for what you believe in. If you feel underappreciated and underpaid, you should fight for it.
For the first time in WWE history, women headlined WrestleMania 35 earlier this year. Can you talk about the vibe and atmosphere throughout the stadium?
Being a part of history being made for women was incredible. To see how far we have come has been great. WWE has given so many opportunities for women, and to be a part of the Women’s Evolution era in WWE is incredible. I am thankful to be part of these history-making matches that support the women in the main event of WrestleMania. I am very, very grateful for that, and I started in the developmental program with Becky Lynch. So, to see her success brings me such happiness.
What was the best gift you gave your mom for Mother’s Day thus far?
She likes to paint icons because she is an artist. So, I buy her trips to go on retreats to these week-long camps. She visits these places, where she enjoys icon workshops. It is fun to see her do what she loves, and that makes me happy.
With you and Rusev no longer a part of the Total Divas cast. Are there any other types of content you would like to be involved with that would allow you to showcase your comedic side?
There are a lot of things in the works, as they say, if the opportunity isn’t knocking at your door, you must create the door. I firmly believe that! So, I can’t give away all the things that we are working on, but there are a lot of things in the works. However, we do have our comedic book called Country Comedic that will provide some comedic relief.
Do you know when the comedic book is expected to be released?
Yes, it looks like right now it will be in December. Rusev’s idea is that his birthday, on December 25th, coincides with Christmas, and he wants everything to happen on both days.
Can you talk about Mickie James and Nattie’s leadership in the women’s locker room?
They are incredible! Nattie has a veteran theme and has helped me build my confidence, teaching me so much in the ring. She has helped guide me, and I wrestle every day with her on the live events because we were both heels. As for Mickie, this is the first time I’m in the same locker room. She was just drafted to SmackDown Live, and she has already been a part of the brand for just a month. I am very grateful to have someone with this level of experience in the business. She consistently offers ideas about story pitches and ways to develop my character further, providing helpful insights in the ring. Her incredible knowledge of the business blows me away. It shows she has been in this business for a long time, and she is a true fan by the way she studies the industry. Mickie is a true student of the game, and it is vital to have these people in the locker room because that is who we learn from when it comes to wrestling psychology and storytelling. After all, we are storytellers. We are also entertainers who put smiles on people’s faces.
What titles would you like to see the WWE implement next?
I would like to see intergender tag team championships implemented next by the WWE. That way, Rusev and I can be the first-ever tag team champs as we push the envelope a little bit.
